Confidentiality
Manuscripts submitted to the journal are privileged communications and the private, confidential property of the authors. Editors must not share any information about a manuscript (including its receipt, status in the review process, content, reviewer comments, or final decision) with anyone other than the authors and reviewers. Reviewers are also required to keep all manuscripts and related materials strictly confidential and must destroy or delete all copies after submitting their review. The use of artificial intelligence tools in manuscript processing must not compromise confidentiality.
Timeliness and Responsiveness
The journal is committed to processing manuscripts as promptly as possible. If a manuscript is not suitable for the journal, it will be rejected at the earliest opportunity to allow authors to submit elsewhere. Authors’ inquiries regarding the status of their manuscript will be answered in a timely manner.
Peer Review
Peer review is an essential part of the scientific process. The journal ensures that appropriate reviewers are selected and that they have access to all relevant materials. The Editor-in-Chief retains full responsibility for the final decision on all manuscripts and is under no obligation to follow reviewer recommendations. The peer-review process is clearly described on the journal website. Reviewers are informed of the final decision on the manuscripts they have reviewed.
Integrity
Editorial decisions are based solely on the manuscript’s relevance to the journal’s scope, originality, scientific quality, and contribution to knowledge. Decisions are not influenced by commercial interests, personal relationships, or the nature of the findings (positive, negative, or inconclusive). Studies with non-significant or inconclusive results are considered for publication.
Diversity and Inclusion
The journal seeks to engage a broad and diverse range of authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and readers.
For the full ICMJE guidance, see:
https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/responsibilities-in-the-submission-and-peer-peview-process.html
Conflict of Interest for Editors and Journal Staff
Editors who make final decisions on manuscripts must recuse themselves from any editorial decision if they have relationships or activities that pose a potential conflict of interest related to the article under consideration.
Editorial staff members who participate in editorial decisions must disclose their relevant relationships and activities to the Editor-in-Chief and recuse themselves from decisions in which a potential conflict exists. Editorial staff must not use information gained through handling manuscripts for private gain.
For detailed guidance, please refer to the ICMJE Recommendations: